Stripping device for bundled cable

ABSTRACT

A device for stripping cables held closely together in a bundled configuration includes a first end component defining a first slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end. A central component defines a second slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end. The central component has a cutting blade projecting into the second slot. A second end component defines a third slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second end. The central component at the first end is configured to be rotatably coupled to the first end component, and the central component at the second end is configured to be rotatably coupled to the second end component such that the first through third slots are alignable for receiving a cable to be stripped, and such that the first, second and third slots are misalignable for retaining a cable therein while being stripped.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electrical insulation strippingdevices, and more particularly to devices for stripping individualcables mid-span and closely held together in a bundled configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stripping a portion of the outer jacket of a cable is typicallyaccomplished manually with a utility knife or other sharp blade. Adrawback of stripping with such blades is that the outer conductor canbe accidentally nicked or damaged if the blade is plunged to deeply intothe outer jacket. Another drawback is that the knife or blade might slipout of the jacket and cause injury to the person stripping the jacket.Moreover, the stripping of several cables in a bundled configuration canbe time-consuming and tedious.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device forstripping cables held closely together in a bundled configuration whichovercomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention, a device for stripping cablesheld closely together in a bundled configuration includes a first endcomponent defining a first slot longitudinally extending from a firstend to a second end thereof. A central component defines a second slotlongitudinally extending from a first end to a second end thereof. Thecentral component has a cutting blade projecting inwardly into thesecond slot. A second end component defines a third slot longitudinallyextending from a first end to a second end thereof. The centralcomponent at the first end thereof is configured to be rotatably coupledto the first end component, and the central component at the second endthereof is configured to be rotatably coupled to the second endcomponent such that the first, second and third slots are alignable forreceiving a cable to be stripped, and such that the first, second andthird slots are misalignable for retaining a cable therein while beingstripped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a stripping device in a cablereceiving/removing position in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the stripping device of FIG. 1 in a cableretaining position.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the stripping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a central component of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the central component.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the central component taken alongthe line A-A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end component of the device of FIG.1.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the end component of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a connecting rod for holding together the components of thedevice.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a cutting blade of the device.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the cutting blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1-10B, a device for stripping electricalinsulation from a cable in accordance with the present invention isgenerally designated by the reference number 10. The device 10 comprisesa first end component 12, a central component 14 and a second endcomponent 16. The first end component 12 is rotatably coupled to a firstend 18 of the central component 14, and the second end component 16 isrotatably coupled to a second end 20 of the central component as isexplained more fully below. The components 12, 14, 16 each arepreferably generally cylindrical in cross-section for ease of handlingand use in tight spaces where cables are held closely together in abundled configuration, but can be rectangular, square or take otherpractical shapes. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, the first andsecond end components 12, 16 preferably have a portion of their outersurface defining knurls 21 for providing an enhanced gripping surface,but can employ a rubber-like or other enhanced gripping surface withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first end component 12 defines afirst slot 22 longitudinally extending from a first end 24 to a secondend 26 of the first component. Likewise, the central component 14defines a second slot 28 longitudinally extending from the first end 18to the second end 20 of the central component. Moreover, the second endcomponent 16 defines a third slot 30 longitudinally extending from afirst end 32 to a second end 34 of the second component. When thecentral component 14 is coupled to the first and second end components12, 16, the first, second and third slots 22, 28, 30 defined by thecomponents are generally coaxially and longitudinally aligned inend-to-end configuration to form a single, combined slot longitudinallyextending from the first end 24 of the first end component 12 to thesecond end 34 of the second end component 16.

The first end component 12 further defines a first interior channel 36and a second interior channel 38 each extending from the first end 24 tothe second end 26 of the first end component. As shown in FIG. 8, thefirst and second channels 36, 38 are preferably radially disposed onopposite sides relative to each other. Similarly, the central component14 defines a third interior channel 40 and a fourth interior channel 42each extending from the first end 18 to the second end 20 of the centralcomponent. As best shown in FIG. 5, the third and fourth channels 40, 42are preferably radially disposed on opposite sides relative to eachother. Moreover, the second end component 16 defines a fifth interiorchannel 44 and a sixth interior channel 46 each extending from the firstend 32 to the second end 34 of the second end component. As shown inFIG. 3, the fifth and sixth channels 44, 46 are preferably radiallydisposed on opposite sides relative to each other.

When the central component 14 is coupled to the first and second endcomponents 12, 14, the first, third and fifth interior channels 36, 40,44 defined by the components are generally coaxially and longitudinallyaligned in end-to-end configuration to form a single, combined channellongitudinally extending from the first end 24 of the first endcomponent 12 to the second end 34 of the second end component 16.Likewise, the second, fourth and sixth interior channels 38, 42, 46defined by the components are generally coaxially and longitudinallyaligned in end-to-end configuration to form another single, combinedchannel longitudinally extending from the first end 24 of the first endcomponent 12 to the second end 34 of the second end component 16.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second channels 36, 38 of the firstend component 12, and likewise the fifth and sixth channels 44, 46 ofthe second end component 16 each are preferably circular incross-section, but can be other practical shapes without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the third andfourth channels 40, 42 of the central component 14 each are preferablyarcuate in cross-section for reasons to be explained below.

A first elongated member or connecting rod 52, as shown in FIG. 9, isreceived in the first, third and fifth channels 36, 40, 44 to coupletogether the first end component 12, the central component 14 and thesecond end component 16. Likewise, a second elongated member orconnecting rod 54 is received in the second, fourth and sixth channels38, 42, 46 to couple together the first end component 12, the centralcomponent 14 and the second end component 16. The first and secondelongated members 52, 54 each are preferably circular in cross-sectionor of corresponding shape to that of at least some of the channels.Moreover, the first and second elongated members 52, 54 each are sizedto be friction fitted in the channels so that the components 12, 14, 16are firmly but releasably secured to one another.

The third channel 40 defined by the central component 14 is arcuate incross-section to allow relative movement of the first elongated member52 within the third channel from one radial end 56 to an opposite radialend 58 of the arcuate third channel. Likewise, the fourth channel 42defined by the central component 14 is arcuate in cross-section to allowrelative movement of the second elongated member 54 within the fourthchannel from one radial end 60 to an opposite radial end 62 of thearcuate fourth channel. Relative movement of the first and secondelongated members 40, 42 respectively within the third and fourthchannels 52, 54 results in rotation of the central component 14 relativeto the first and second end components 12, 16 for reasons to beexplained below.

The first end component 12 defines longitudinally extending first andsecond lips 64, 66 on each side of the first slot 22. The first andsecond lips 64, 66 are spaced a predetermined distance from each otherfor receiving a cable into the first slot 22. Similarly, the centralcomponent 14 defines longitudinally extending third and fourth lips 68,70 on each side of the second slot 28. The third and fourth lips 68, 70are preferably spaced the same predetermined distance from each other asthat of the first and second lips 64, 66 for receiving a cable into thesecond slot 28. Moreover, the second end component 16 defineslongitudinally extending fifth and sixth lips 72, 74 on each side of thethird slot 30. The fifth and sixth lips 72, 74 are preferably spaced thesame predetermined distance from each other as that of the lips of thefirst end component 12 and the central component 14 for receiving acable into the third slot 30.

The central component 14 is rotatable relative to the first and secondend components 12, 16 such that the opposing lips of the components areflush with one another in order to receive a cable into the combinedslot defined by the components 12, 14, 16 (see FIG. 1). Morespecifically, the first, third and fifth lips 64, 68, 72 are flush withone another on one side of the combined slot, and the second, fourth andsixth lips 66, 70, 74 are flush with one another on the other side ofthe combined slot so as to place the device 10 in a cablereceiving/removing position.

Moreover, the central component 14 is rotatable relative to the firstand second end components 12, 16 such that the opposing lips of the endcomponents are misaligned with adjacent lips of the central component inorder to retain a cable in the combined slot defined by the components12, 14, 16 (see FIG. 2). More specifically, the third lip 68 islongitudinally misaligned with the first and fifth lips 64, 72 on oneside of the combined slot, and the fourth lip 70 is longitudinallymisaligned with the second and sixth lips 66, 74 on the other side ofthe combined slot so as to place the device 10 in a cable retainingposition. Stated another way, the distance between the lip 68 of thecentral component 14 and the lips 66, 74 of the end components 12, 16are reduced in order to prevent a cable from leaving the combined slotwhile the outer jacket of the cable is being stripped.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the central component 14 includes a cuttingblade 76 (see also FIGS. 4, 6, 10A and 10B) projecting inwardly into thesecond slot 28 for cutting into and removing a portion of the electricalinsulation jacket of a cable disposed in the second slot. A tip 78 ofthe cutting blade 76 is angled into the second slot 28 so as to enablethe insulation jacket to be peeled off of the cable when the cuttingblade of the device 10 is rotated relative to the cable. The centralcomponent 14 further defines a hole 80 adjacent to the cutting blade 76and generally on an opposite side of the central component 14 relativeto that of the lips 68, 70 for providing an opening for the strippedjacket material to exit the device 10.

The central component 14 is slightly larger in cross-section as seen ina longitudinal direction therealong, and defines recessed seats 82, 84at each longitudinal end for receiving and abutting against an opposinglongitudinal end surface of the first and second end components 12, 16.

In operation, a cable having an electrical insulation jacket is receivedinto the axially extending combined slot of the device 10 when thedevice 10 is in a cable receiving/removing position. The cutting blade76 protruding inwardly into second slot 28 (i.e., the central portion ofthe combined slot) engages the jacket of the cable. As mentioned above,the central component 14 of the device 10 which holds the cutting blade76 is separate from and slightly rotatable relative to the first andsecond end components 12, 16. Once a cable is inserted in the combinedslot, the central component 14 of the device 10 can then be slightlyrotated relative to the end components 12, 16 of the device which inturn misaligns the slot 28 defined by the central component relative tothe slots 22, 30 respectively defined by the end components 12, 16 (seeFIG. 2) in order to place the device 10 in a cable retaining position tothereby hold the cable firmly in place within the combined slot duringthe stripping operation.

The device 10 is then rotated several times about the cable such thatthe cutting blade 76 cuts into and peels the jacket away from the outerconductor of the cable. The device 10 is also gently pushed along thecable in a direction to be stripped while rotating thereabout in orderto strip the cable to the desired length. When the cable is stripped tothe desired length, the central component 14 of the device 10 is thenslightly rotated relative to the end components 12, 16 of the device toalign the slot 28 defined by the central component relative to the slots22, 30 respectively defined by the end components 12, 16 (see FIG. 1) inorder to return the device 10 to the cable receiving/removing positionto permit the cable to be removed from the device 10. The process ofstripping is repeated on the remaining cables until all of the bundledcables are stripped.

As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art,numerous modifications and substitutions can be made to theabove-described embodiment of the present invention without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the preceding portion ofthis specification is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to alimiting sense.

1. A device for stripping cables held closely together in a bundledconfiguration, the device comprising: a first end component defining afirst slot longitudinally extending from a first end to a second endthereof; a central component defining a second slot longitudinallyextending from a first end to a second end thereof, the centralcomponent having a cutting blade projecting inwardly into the secondslot; a second end component defining a third slot longitudinallyextending from a first end to a second end thereof; and the centralcomponent at the first end thereof being configured to be rotatablycoupled to the first end component, and the central component at thesecond end thereof being configured to be rotatably coupled to thesecond end component such that the first, second and third slots arealignable for receiving a cable to be stripped, and such that the first,second and third slots are misalignable for retaining a cable thereinwhile being stripped.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein thefirst end component, the central component and the second end componenteach define at least one interior channel extending from the first endto the second end thereof, the at least one interior channels of thecomponents being generally coaxially aligned to form a single, combinedchannel, and further comprising an elongated member configured to bereceived in the combined channel for coupling together the components.3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the first end component, thecentral component and the second end component each define two interiorchannels each extending from the first end to the second end thereof,the two interior channels of the components each being generallycoaxially aligned to form a single, combined channel, and furthercomprising two elongated members each configured to be received in oneof the combined channels for coupling together the components.
 4. Adevice as defined in claim 2, wherein the at least one interior channelof the first end component and the at least one interior channel of thesecond end component are circular, and wherein the at least one interiorchannel of the central component is arcuate.
 5. A device as defined inclaim 3, wherein the two interior channels of the first end componentand the two interior channels of the second end component are circular,and wherein the two interior channels of the central component arearcuate.
 6. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein the elongated memberis circular in cross-section.
 7. A device as defined in claim 3, whereinthe two elongated members each are circular in cross-section.
 8. Adevice as defined in claim 1, wherein the first, second and third slotseach are U-shaped.
 9. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the firstend component and the second end component each have an outer surfacedefining knurls to provide secure gripping thereto.
 10. A device asdefined in claim 1, wherein the central component defines a holeadjacent to the cutting blade for providing an opening for strippedjacket material to exit.
 11. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein thecutting blade includes a tip angled into the second slot so as to enablean insulation jacket to be peeled off of a cable when the cutting bladeis rotated relative to the cable.